A Village Sacrificed for Manganese

The village of Shukruti, like other villages in Georgia’s Chiatura region, is dying—slowly disappearing due to manganese mining beneath it. Mining has damaged homes, and in some cases, caused their complete collapse. For the past five years, the villagers have protested these harsh conditions, yet the local and central authorities continue to ignore them.

Out of desperation, 24 days ago they started a hunger strike. In this short film, Giorgi Neparidze, a resident of the village, shares the story of their ongoing protest and describes the grim future awaiting the village.